Effects of an 8-week training cessation period on cognition and functional capacity in older adults

Background: Multiple types of exercise interventions have been described as effective methods for improving cognition and mobility in older adults. In addition to combined strength and aerobic training, gross motor activities have shown benefits. However, adherence to exercise is a challenge, which may bring about periods of training cessation. Importantly, short-term training cessation may lead to a loss of fitness adaptations. The effects of training cessation on cognition and functional capacity are not well known, especially within the context of dual-tasking in older adults. Objectives: We examined the effects of an 8-week training cessation period on cognition (executive functioning (EF) in single (ST) and dual-task (DT)) and functional capacity (10 m Walk and 6 Minute Walk Test) of healthy older adults, after one of three training interventions: combined lower body strength and aerobic, combined upper body strength and aerobic, or gross motor activities. Materials and methods: Forty older adults (70.5 +/- 5.5 years, 67.5% F) participated in training sessions, 3x/week for 8 weeks prior to training cessation. Pre (T0), post (T1) and follow-up (post-cessation, T2) measures of EF (performance in inhibition and updating/working memory indices of the Random Number Generation task) in ST and DT (treadmill walking at 0.67 m.s(-1), 1.11 m.s(-1), and 1.56 m.s(-1)), and functional capacity were assessed. Changes in ST and DT as well as functional capacity tests were analyzed using two-way ANOVAs (time * group) with repeated measures for the time factor (T0, T1 and T2). Results: Improvements in inhibition indices were observed in ST for all time comparisons (T0-T1, T1-T2 and T0-T2). Inhibition in DT improved from T0-T2 and from T1-T2. Working memory declined from T0-T2 and from T1-T2. Functional capacity performance was maintained from T1-T2 (small improvement from T0-T1 and from T0-T2). Discussion: Performances in inhibition were maintained or improved after cessation of training. We found no interaction between training groups, whatever the condition, indicating similar training cessation effects regardless of the intervention. Conclusions: Multiple types of exercise interventions may lead to positive benefit to inhibition and functional capacity in older adults, and it may also be possible to retain these benefits after a short cessation period.